Key Benefits

Nationally recognised

The course is meets the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework. You’ll be able to use it as a pathway to higher level qualifications at tertiary institutions around the country.

ASIC compliant

This course is ASIC compliant, and provides a pathway to many professional designations.

XPLAN software training

You have the option of adding XPLAN software training,the financial industry’s go-to financial planning software package, when studying this course.

Government funded

If you live in Victoria, Monarch Institute has government funded places.

To see if you are eligible for a government funded place, please click here to see the criteria. Or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.

Tax (Financial) Adviser module

If you want to meet the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) requirements to be a Tax (Financial) Adviser, completion of the FNS60415 Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning provides a direct pathway to the Tax (Financial) Adviser course. You only need to complete one additional module in Australian Commercial Law to meet the TPB requirements. This is because the required Australian Tax Law module is covered in the Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning as part of module 3. If you wish to add the Australian Commercial Law module, the fee is $575. The TPB does have specific assessments requirements.

You will also need to complete two short exam assessments:

Commercial Law module

Taxation (the course materials are covered in this course)

Course Accreditation

In total, you need to complete each of these 15 nationally recognised units of competency in order to be awarded your FNS60415 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.

Module 4

Practice management

Establish, supervise and monitor practice systems to conform with legislation and regulations (FNSPRM601)

Course Assessments

The experts who design and deliver our courses (click back to Course trainers to meet some of them) have developed an assessment framework that’s uniquely designed to help you gain a deep understanding of the material. They’ll give you the kind of knowledge and skills you can use in the real world as a business operator or manager. Assessment formats include:

Case studies

Multiple-choice questions

Short-answer questions

Calculation questions

Roleplays

Career Opportunities

Key opportunities include:

Financial planner/adviser

Associate financial planner/adviser (junior)

Paraplanner

Financial planning practice manager

Compliance officer at a financial planning firm/AFSL

Call centre adviser for an insurance provider

Call centre adviser for a superannuation provider

Call centre adviser for an investment fund management provider

Call centre adviser for an investment platform provider

Back-office superannuation operations officer

Back-office insurance operations officer

Back-office fund management operations officer

Back-office investment platform operations officer

Investment corporate actions support officer

Where you’ll work

Completing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning qualification can propel a financial adviser’s career. But it’s not just for full time advisers. Others within the financial services industry value chain can apply the theory and strategy from the Advanced Diploma to their work.

There are many workplaces for which an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning would add substantial credibility and skill, including:

banks

investment funds

investment platform providers

investment research houses

superannuation funds

stock brokers

credit unions

accounting practices

financial planning practices

mortgage broking businesses

insurance firms

business brokerages

real estate agencies

Pathways

The next step up from an Advanced Diploma is an undergraduate degree at a university. You may be able to use your Advanced Diploma as a pathway to a Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) or similar. Some universities offer course credit for the units undertaken as part of an Advanced Diploma. You should check with the university you’re thinking of applying to before enrolling with Monarch Institute.

FNSINC401 Apply principles of professional practice to work in the financial services industry

FNSFPL506 Determine client financial requirements and expectations

FNSASICZ503 Provide advice in financial planning

To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:

Once we receive your enrolment, our friendly course consultants will touch base to undertake a pre-training review to ensure the training is right for you.

For students without an equal or higher level qualification, there’s a short language, literacy and numeracy quiz you complete online.

What equipment will I need?

You will need access to the following equipment to successfully complete the course:

Working computer with Microsoft Office (2009 or later)

Access to the internet

Access to a smart phone, video camera or web camera is required

It’s also ideal to have a financial calculator on hand.

Am I eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning?

We may be able to take into account relevant knowledge and skills you’ve possibly gained through previous formal or informal training, education and employment. To find out more, refer to our Student Information Guide by clicking here, or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.

Course Topics

Module 1

Advanced investments

What is investment risk?

Risk and diversification

How to measure risk

Understanding correlation coefficients

Measures of risk-adjusted returns

Valuation of shares

Valuation of bonds

Introduction to derivatives

Futures contracts

Options contracts

Application of investment principles in financial planning

Margin lending

Module 2

Estate planning

Creating a will

Role of executor

Client needs and estate planning

Powers of attorney

Rights of beneficiaries

Administration of an estate

Trusts and estate planning

Taxation and estate planning

Provision of advice

Application of estate-planning principles in financial planning

Module 3

Social security and taxation planning

Australian social security system

Income test and assets test

Social security and income streams

Pensions and allowances

Eligibility for age pension

Taxation and age pension

Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Dividend imputation

Fringe-benefits tax

Capital gains and capital losses

Taxation for minors

Module 4

Practice management

Marketing fundamentals

Software and client-relationship management systems

Practice-management principles applied to insurance

Tips and traps of implementing insurance policies

Deciding on an investment philosophy

Core and satellite approach to investing

Blending managers

Using platforms in a practice

Different types of debt

Debt-management strategies

Margin lending

Debt recycling

Client file requirements

Provision of complex advice

Course Duration

Is there a maximum course completion time?

Yes; two years for the whole qualification. You must complete each module within six months.

Is there a minimum course completion time?

No. Except for some government funded students, students can complete the qualification as quickly as they choose.

What is the average course completion time frame?

Students who are highly motivated and well organised can often complete the full course in nine months. The key factors that influence course completion is a student’s experience, time availability, and how fast they work.

How does blended Online study work?

This course has been developed to give you absolute flexibility. Study on your couch, on public transport, on your break at work, out in the park – wherever and whenever you like. The best part is, with Monarch Institute, ‘online’ doesn’t mean ‘alone’. You’ll be backed by our trainers at every step along the way.

What support will I get?

Your trainer will be happy to contact you via phone, Skype, Zoom, TeamViewer, or email (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm). So you definitely won’t feel alone. You’ll also have access to our student Facebook groups, so you can discuss the material with other students. It’s a handy way to stay in touch with trainers and others in the same course.

Do you offer corporate workshops?

Yes. We’re the corporate training partner of choice for several large organisations. Our trainers can also conduct onsite training for groups of six staff or more. Corporate workshops can be scheduled for any location in Australia. Got a new satellite office with staff in need of training? Running a training retreat in an idyllic location (yes please!)? Our trainers can be there.

Corporate workshops are tailored to your organisation’s needs. Get in touch with our friendly course consultants for more information.

Course Price

Upfront payment

$1,625 (total)

The most cost-effective option. Pay up front and save 10% compared to the total payment plan. Payment options include electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card (MasterCard or Visa), cheque or cash.

Payment plan

$68.75 per week, paid over 26 weeks (total $1,787.50)

This option is suitable for students wanting to manage their cash flow. It’s handy if you want to get started right away, but don’t have the full amount on hand. Payment must be made with MasterCard or Visa.

Optional: add $35.95 per week for Tax (Financial) Adviser module.

Government Funding

If you live in Victoria, Monarch Institute has government funded places.

To see if you are eligible for a government funded place, please click here to see the criteria. Or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.

Meet your trainers

Industry experts and thought leaders.

Lauren Davis Trainer "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." – Henry Ford

I’m a qualified financial planner with 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry. I have worked as a financial planner for a small business, as well as running my own business. In the past I’ve also worked for one of the big four banks. I know what it takes to support new starters; I’ve also worked in marketing and supporting other financial advisers to run and grow their own businesses.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

Coffee and my much-loved Cavoodle, Henry, ready for his morning walk. I enjoy going out for brunch, watching movies, and watching any sport I can, in particular my beloved Carlton Football Club.

I am a qualified financial planner holding a tertiary qualification in a Masters of Financial Planning as well as being a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) since 2001. I started in the financial advice industry in 1997, after transferring from a role as a lending manager with ANZ. During my 20 years in the financial advice industry, I’ve had a number of diverse roles including corporate super at NSP Buck, workplace financial planning with private clients at MLC, and professional and business banking with Macquarie. To follow this up, I set up and ran an Australian Financial Services License for an accounting firm.

Then in 2012 I co-authored and delivered a business succession insurance training program for financial planners and accountants for the Business Risk Institute of Australia. In 2013 I established my own practice, Encompass Wealth – Financial Life Planning. We specialise in holistic life planning, focusing on the broader context of a client’s life rather than just the numbers. This means integrating clients’ values, vision and wealth.

In March 2017 I was appointed Director at CLIME Private Wealth. This role sees me using my experience, technical knowledge and coaching abilities to provide advice to baby boomers transitioning into their version of retirement. This is indeed a challenging role, dealing with people at diverse and sometimes difficult times of their lives. I’ve been using my life coaching skills together with other frameworks gained from transition and retirement coaching studies.

Education has been a major driver of my financial planning journey. I’m currently studying a Diploma of Life Coaching (due for completion in December 2017), and a Bachelor of Social Science (majoring in behavioural science) at Swinburne University.

I have an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, together with other specialist accreditations in retirement planning, SMSF, home and aged care, ALPA ASX listed products, collaborative law (financial adviser) and as a retirement and transition coach. I am also a member of the Financial Planning Association, an associate member of the AFA, SMSF Association and a fellow at the Australian Institute of Management.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

My family! And the ability to make a difference in someone’s life – I love working with people!

Ben Dascal Trainer "Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right." – Henry Ford

I am a qualified financial planner holding a tertiary qualification in financial planning, as well as being a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). I’ve worked as a financial planner for an Australian bank for over two years. Before that, I worked for over seven years as an associate adviser for another financial planning company.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I enjoy catching up with friends, going for walks with my wife and following the North Melbourne Football Club.

Janine Cini Trainer "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs

I’m known as a bit of a superannuation guru here at the Monarch Institute office. I’ve got 30 years of experience in the financial services sector. I’ve worked in underwriting, corporate superannuation fund portfolios, business analysis, and self-managed superannuation funds.

I have undertaken a variety of roles, mostly within large corporations, but also with a number of small businesses. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience in Monarch Institute’s student contact hours here in Melbourne.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

It’s all about balance and fitting as much into the day as possible. If the sun is shining an early morning horse ride is a must. A good balance of work to stimulate the mind and Pilates to keep in shape. And never a dull moment with three children and a close family living nearby.

Josh Wilson Trainer "Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless." – Jamie Paolinetti

I am a qualified financial planner with tertiary and vocational qualifications in financial planning and law. I’ve had 17 years of experience in the financial planning and wealth management industry. I have worked as a financial planner for a large Australian bank and boutique wealth management firm for over 10 years, and prior to that, as a fund accountant for a London-based asset manager.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I am usually woken up by my two girls first! I get excited to see my heirloom tomatoes growing strongly in spring. I love cooking at home on the weekend, hanging out in the park with my wife and two girls, and I’m a mad (suffering) Carlton supporter.

Any questions? Ask away!

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Financial planning training. For the real world.

You deserve to learn from experts who are just as committed to the financial planning profession as you. Monarch Institute was founded by experienced financial advisers who wanted to show students what it’s actually like to practice in the real world. In other words, not just the theory. Courses are developed with an industry advisory council including recognised thought leaders. Like Dr Jenny Diggle, who’s just been appointed to ASIC’s Financial Services and Credit Panel.

Need your full RG146 compliant qual? Want to specialise in one area of advice? Monarch Institute delivers nationally recognised qualifications, taught on your terms. Fit your professional development in to your busy schedule, confident that you’ll be supported by your trainers every step of the way. It’s just one part of our commitment in helping you smash your career goals.

Monarch were great when I completed by ADFP. The course materials were very relevant and provided the practical knowledge and tools I need as an adviser. Thanks to the trainers and support team - keep up the high standard of work.

- Ayal Fernando

The course has definitely helped increase my knowledge for my current position. I am currently working as a trainee analyst and the course was very helpful. Thanks so much.

- Joshua Durbin

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Expertise

Courses developed with leading academics and industry associations

Delivered by brilliant trainers who work with corporate leaders

Learn from professionals using real world case studies

Flexibility

Fit study around work, family, life.

Start immediately, or down the track

Flexible payment options

Support

Dedicated team of trainers and support staff on hand to guide you

Up to date, easy to understand course materials.

Assessment turnaround in 5-7 business days with comprehensive trainer feedback.